The Death of Ariel Sharon

I didn’t know how deep Sharon’s love was for Israel and the Jewish people.

When Ariel Sharon first went into a coma in 2006, I remember thinking how eerie it was that it was just months after Israel’s disengagement from Gaza. Could Sharon see what was happening now somehow in his coma? Would he wake up and recognize it as a mistake? I kept waiting for him to wake up one day, transform back into a war hero, and say: I don’t know, let’s rebuild all those homes.

Every now and then there would be a news item that there had been some brain activity in response to his sons’ voices, and I would wonder about his coma. Where exactly was Sharon? Was he here, seeing everything going on around him but locked within himself? Or was he maybe halfway to the next world, seeing this world from a distance? Either way, eight years is a long time to be in a coma. So I was surprised when I felt a wave of sadness wash over me when I heard of his death yesterday - because for many of us, he had really been gone since 2006.

Sharon was a powerful, committed leader for the Jewish people for so many years (though he left many of us disappointed in his last years). From his early years working in the Haganah to protect Kibbutzim, to his leading an elite commando group for the first time in 1953, Sharon risked his life to protect our people.

In 1967, he was the major general of the army during the Six Day War, and commanded troops on the Egyptian front. When Israel won the Six Day War, Sharon went straight to the Kotel and called out the Shema, thanking God for the miraculous victory.

In 1973, Sharon served as a reservist-general, commanding troops that helped rout Egyptian forces in the Yom Kippur War. A photo of Sharon in the desert, dressed in his army uniform with his head bandaged, became the most famous picture of the war.

Eventually Sharon was elected prime minister in 2001. Soon after, he ordered strikes against Palestinian security installations to fight against the rising terrorism. Sharon did not back down during the terrifying intifada, defending Israel’s right to protect its citizens.

These quotes reveal the depth of Sharon’s love for Israel and the Jewish people during his years of leadership:

“I am the last person who would divide Jerusalem. I have said this many times. I don’t plan to discuss any division of Jerusalem.”

“Israel may have the right to put others on trial, but certainly, no one has the right to put the Jewish people and the State of Israel on trial.”

“For me, peace should provide security for the Jewish people.”

“As long as I’m needed. I’ll be ready to serve. I look forward with optimism. We need the Jews here. Move to Israel! Move to Israel!”

“I was born on a farm. My strength has nothing to do with political apparatus. I get my strength from nature, from flowers.”

“There is no bulletproof vest in my size.”

I didn’t know how deep Sharon’s love was for Israel and the Jewish people. And I didn’t know about his personal suffering: his only sibling, a sister who moved to New York and hardly ever spoke to Sharon again. How Sharon married his childhood sweetheart, Margalit, and lost her in a tragic car accident when their son was just five years old. And how six years after his first wife’s death, their son Gur was accidentally shot by a friend who was playing with a rifle in their yard. (His son died in his arms on the way to the hospital.) And I didn’t know that he lost his second wife to cancer in 2000. So much pain. So much I just didn’t know when I thought about Ariel Sharon.

But what I do know is that Sharon was a hero and a fighter for our nation. He was a proud Jew who shouted the Shema at the Kotel after the Six Day War. He lost close friends in battle and suffered many personal losses throughout his life. And he never gave up. He may have made mistakes. But he never gave up on the Jewish people. He wanted to serve for as long as he was needed. And he did. And so we thank you, Ariel Sharon, for your dedication and your courage. We thank you for your willingness to fight back against terrorism and for your strong stance on Jerusalem.

And I will remember your words: “Myself, first of all I am a Jew. And that is the most important thing for me.”

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About the Author

Sara Debbie Gutfreund received her BA in English from the University of Pennsylvania and her MA in Family Therapy from the University of North Texas. She has taught parenting classes and self-development seminars and provided adolescent counseling. She writes extensively for many online publications and in published anthologies of Jewish women's writing. She and her husband spent 14 wonderful years raising their five children in Israel, and now live in Blue Ridge Estates in Waterbury, Connecticut, where Sara Debbie enjoys skiing and running in her free time.

Visitor Comments: 47

(39)
sharon,
January 16, 2014 2:30 PM

May I always remember....Judge not lest ye be judged...I must be happy when others are praised and blessed for the good they have done...and sad when they are condemned and cursed for their sin against the very ONE , the only ONE who has the power to judge them.

(38)
Connie L Garrett,
January 15, 2014 6:52 PM

Thank you

special thanks for what he did and may Israel be strong, life to Israel.

(37)
David S,
January 15, 2014 5:35 AM

Thank you for seeing positive in his life

with all that's happened in the past 8 years, its reassuring to see someone didn't forget what he did to benefit others.

(36)
Julian Sorsby,
January 14, 2014 5:16 PM

Hastening the coming of the Mashiach

Isaiah tells us that the Mashiach will come when the Jewish people return to the land of Israel. Born the same year as the rebirth of the State of Israel, people of my generation have been blessed to witness the lives of great Jewish leaders – Ben Gurion, Weitzman, Meir, Allon, Begin, Shamir, Dayan, Rabin, Peres and Ariel Sharon. These people take their place alongside earlier leaders Bar Kochba, Akiva, Hertzl, Judah HaMakabi and Mordechaj Anielewicz as visionaries, leaders and fighters who are hastening the return and hence the coming of the Mashiach.For those of us in Britain who have painfully watched the BBC slandering Sharon and Israel with heightened intensity since last Saturday, Isaiah also teaches us that the Machiach will come at a time when the world is against us. Perhaps with your help, BBC, the Mashaich will come I our time.

(35)
jacob,
January 14, 2014 11:22 AM

bless

God bless israel

(34)
Daphne Gabriel,
January 14, 2014 6:18 AM

Driven by Purpose.

Ariel Sharon understood his calling; took the task, studied it in various ways and executed them. They were difficult, but with wisdom he was able to make and capture ground for his oppressed people amidst international observance. May he rest in peace.

(33)
Kelly Rebekah ben Maimon,
January 13, 2014 11:09 PM

"Arik was a man of the land." Shimon Peres

Ariel Sharon was a national hero and devoted his life to Israel. He was a brilliant battlefield commander.
Today, Israeli president Shimon Peres said "Arik was a man of the land. He defended this land like a lion and he taught its children to swing a scythe. He was a military legend in his lifetime and then turned his gaze to the day Israel would dwell in safety, when our children would return to our borders and peace would grace the Promised Land." This comment prompted me to think about an ancestor, who wrote a letter to his son, teaching him humility and modesty. Some refer to it as the Letter of the Ramban. It starts as follows: "Hear, my son, the instruction of your father and do 't forsake the teaching of your mother." (Proverbs 1:8). "Get in to the habit of always speaking calmly to everyone. This will prevent you from anger, a serious attribute flaw which causes people to sin."
Many of us will not know what challenges, whether physical or spiritually this great man had to face on a day to day basis.
Two points stand out. Ariel Sharon loved Israel and Hashem loved him, unconditionally. May he rest in peace.
London, England

(32)
Anonymous,
January 13, 2014 8:44 PM

My sincere deepest condollence

My soul weeps for Brother Ariel Sharon.I have no words that can describe my sorrow for the physical departure of this great Jewish Brother.I am not Jew, not a military person, but my wish is to recall the famous Ruth's words to Naomi: "Entreat me not to leave you, Or to turn back from following after you ...; your people shall be my people, And your God, my God ... (etc.) . Shema. Amilcar Montenegro.

(31)
Anonymous,
January 13, 2014 6:27 PM

Arik Sharon a true Jewish Hero devoted to Israel and all Jews.

(30)
meir elazar,
January 13, 2014 6:02 PM

Ariel Sharon was one of the most brilliant military strategists

In USA history the 2 greatest people were Thomas Jefferson and John Adams. One of the most important contributions was separation of church and state. Yet others think they are smarter and circumvent this putting religious items in courts and public institutions or using terms like "faith based" to circumvent the principles.

Arik Sharon was absolutely brilliant military strategist. He paratrooped behind Egypt's Third Army in 67 and totally cut them off. He went all the way to Beirut in the Lebanon War. In Jenin when the terrorist boobytrapped the streets, Sharom had IDF blow holes from one apartment to the next so soldiers did not have to go outside more than necessary and risk their lives as they "cleaned" the areas. The terrorist were not ready for this. The most controversial act was Disengagement. If today we have difficulty protecting Sderot and surroundings which is outside of Gaza, imagine the casualties in the former Gaza settlements. Furthermore, what would have been the enormous cost of protecting the people? And finally what was the reaction of the people towards those protecting them? Sharon decided that political capital by turning the situation around (like the brilliance of Jenin but in the political arena) and showing that Israel was unilaterally making a gesture towards peace to show the world the expected barbaric response of the Gaza barbarians was a brilliant strategic move but most people could not comprehend actions based on brilliant "military strategies".

Ariel Sharons burial alogside his family love, But Ariels True love was IsrAel!,I call all Jews who admire him, and think He beeing a KEY to todays modern state of Israel, to collect all the keys of oure homes, to be melted and form an honor monument of Arik , alongaide oure Heroes on Mount scopuss, Alongside Ben Gurion, Golda Mair, for eternall recognition!,

SOCORRO SAMPERIO,
January 14, 2014 3:37 AM

amen

Amen to your comments, Thank G-d for this people who really loved Israel and cared for his people. May he rest in peace now.Lets pray to G-d to raise more men and women this kind, and ask ourselves what are we doing to make it hapend, shalom

(28)
akaldev s panesar,
January 13, 2014 11:17 AM

may God give you the place in His abode.

we appreciate what he did for his country and peoples.he was great giving the gaza to the peoples who wish the done away israel.i was of the opinion that not an inch should now be lost for peace the joint israel palistine state shall work well and the advancement of islam shall come to keep israel safe and sound for another 1000 years.

margarita,
January 16, 2014 5:33 AM

he was a great warrior

although i agree with your comment, i am still puzzled to the reasons why great people like z"l Ariel Sharon would give up any land. he out of all people knew and understood a lot (that what made him a great general). we must have done something wrong, maybe he was trying to save us from someone like Livni????

(27)
jonatan,
January 13, 2014 11:16 AM

condollence

my deepest sadness to hear a sad news from my email..that our Great Man,elderly, figure who inspire spirit, a role model for new Generation how he dedicated He's life for people & nation of Israel with He's act and word to promised that picture labeled who is Arik Sharon .....may He's spirit to defend jewish people and Israel keep remind among us, as Legacy and Hes braveness courage , strength always stay with every new Generation of Israel how to fight and battle the enemy for secure the land of Israel from tear apart. and confident proud as Jews ..never give up..especially at at the bottom situation.....at last........hai....Arik.......we salute You !............may rest and peace in the gathering land of all our great Man in eternal.....

(26)
harold,
January 13, 2014 7:53 AM

Tzadek

Chazal teach us that there are many facets to a soul.
Arik's soul was given the honour of saving Eretz Yisroel and millions of Jewish souls in 1949 and 1973. No one who criticises here or elsewhere has such merit.

(25)
Joseph Rapaport,
January 13, 2014 6:12 AM

Why did he do it?

The only explanation for Sharon's turnaround after so, so manyyears of service to the Jewish people is NOT that he had asudden epiphany, but that he was coerced into this radical path that diverged 180 degrees from his life's work. Most likely, it had to do with some of his personal dealings that also involved his sons. Suffice it to say he was given a choice, cooperate with the Leftist agenda or you will findyou and your family in for a rough ride.

(24)
Melo Gardener,
January 13, 2014 5:48 AM

Sharon is a great Hero of Israel whose vision was for a peaceful Israel and Jerusalem that was, is and will always be Jewish and Gods' Holy Land. He is at peace with the rest of the Patriarchs he is gathered to. I am not Jewish but I am proud at how well he stood up to Americas' Left interference with Israels' Business. God Bless him indeed!

(23)
Rachel,
January 13, 2014 3:54 AM

Ariel Sharon - Rest in Peace

We do not know what exactly happens to a person in a coma, so I choose to believe that by the grace of G-od, he repented of all his sins, and that he died at peace with his G-od, the people he hurt in his lifetime and with himself. We know that Hashem loves him & did not leave him during the coma.

(22)
Yehudit,
January 13, 2014 3:35 AM

Wonderful leader of Israel - he will be missed greatly!

Ariel (Arik) Sharon loved Israel and the Jewish people SO much. Yes, he made a few mistakes - he was a human being, as we all are. But overall, he was a feisty and very strong leader of Israel and the Jewish people. He will be missed GREATLY! May his family and the State of Israel be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Yerushalayim.

(21)
Wayne,
January 13, 2014 12:10 AM

Sharon WAS a hero (past tense)

"Sharon was a hero and a fighter for our nation."

The key word in that quote is the word "was". In the end, he was responsible for 8,000 Jews being thrown out of their homes, and their land given to their enemies.

(20)
Dena,
January 12, 2014 8:43 PM

who knows

We don't know chesbonei Shamayim -i.e., why H-shem does what He does, but I hope that seeing what happened to Rabin and Sharon will make Natanyahu a little careful before he gives back anything and throws Jews out of their homes or gives in in Jerusalem. I think he is also a little afraid of something happening to him.

Another thing, concerning the Artic freeze in the U.S. -every time, every single time that the U.S. starts up with us, there is some kind of national disaster in the U.S. Check it out and you'll see that it's so. So thank Kerry and Obama for all your suffering , don't think it's the weather.

(19)
Dr. Pangloss,
January 12, 2014 8:08 PM

Terrific article

Profound, eye-opening and incredibly thought-provoking. Thank you for this article that reveals so much.

(18)
jgarbuz,
January 12, 2014 7:52 PM

May his soul rest with David and other kings of Judah and Israel

May God bless and keep the soul of this warrior for the freedom and security of the Jewish nation.

(17)
jill,
January 12, 2014 7:46 PM

Don't judge a man unless you have walked in his shoes!

(16)
HAROLD,
January 12, 2014 7:30 PM

lAND

i PERSONALLY BELIEVE THAT TRADING LAND FOR PEACE IS TREASON PERIOD! AND THAT NO SELF RESPECTING JEW WOULD EVER AGREE TO IT!....ABBAS NEEDS TO WAKE UP TO THE FACT THAT ISRAEL IS AND WILL REMAIN JEWISH AND IF HE CAN NOT ACCEPT THIS NEED HE NEEDS TO CONSIDER MOVING TO SYRIA OR IRAN

(15)
Anonymous,
January 12, 2014 6:40 PM

Beautiful article

Thank you for such an eloquent and heartfelt summary of Sharon's dedication to Israel and Jews. I read an article and also heard that Sharon was not Jewish due to the fact that his mother or grandmother had converted Reform. Can someone clarify this? Thanks.

(14)
Carlos,
January 12, 2014 6:17 PM

A True Hero

A true hero to be remembered for his dedication to the people of Israel

(13)
kay,
January 12, 2014 5:50 PM

ariel

he saved Israel, and he suffered such heartache himself

(12)
Richard,
January 12, 2014 5:43 PM

Aeril Sharon a hero of Isreal

May he rest in peace, always controversial, yet always his first love was Israel and service to her people.

(11)
Robin Rosenblatt, M.Sc.,
January 12, 2014 5:39 PM

In Honor of Ariel Sharon

Ariel Sharon wanted to bring to Israel Texas Longhorn Cattle "Desert cattle" to help the ranches and farms. One way to honor and remember him would be to help make his dream come true. http://longhornproject.org

(10)
David Plane,
January 12, 2014 5:23 PM

I admired this man. He made an enormous change, moving from a belief in military solutions to a profound realization that a new way, that of peace, was needed.

His decision to pull back from Gaza was a very controversial thing to do. Pity the Gaza Palestinians messed it up. The Gaza people are very enterprising and Gaza would be a thriving community had they chosen the path of peace. In his final months of power, he set up a party devoted to peace, Kadima, with Shimon Peres and others.

(9)
Shareef,
January 12, 2014 5:01 PM

A Great Man

Any man who loves and sacrifice for his country and his people walks in the footsteps of Moses! Ariel Sharon was good for Israel and an example for world leaders.May The Lord of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob give solace to his Soul and the his descendants.

(8)
Lisa,
January 12, 2014 4:57 PM

Yes, Sharon had a deep love for the country he built!

Why would he be a Prime Minister & put his life on the line if he didn't love his country Israel?!

(7)
Anonymous,
January 12, 2014 4:53 PM

Israel's hero

I think we should remember the good things about Prime Minister Sharon's dedication and sacrifices for Israel and our people. Yes, I feel he made a mistake. But who is perfect? Who doesn't make mistakes? PM Sharon was and is a true hero and should be honored as such. My prayers are with his family.

(6)
Richard,
January 12, 2014 4:43 PM

Disappointing article

The author gets her backhanded eulogy by suggesting mistakes and disappointments in his later years. Maybe Sharon's love for Israel is precisely embodied in the growth in thinking he exhibited in his later years--something the author may still be too green to appreciate. Why not give the man credit that his later decisions reflect every bit the same love for Israel that his previous ones did, rather than use the piece to squeeze the author's personal politics into a "eulogy" for a giant? I find THAT disappointing.

(5)
zohara,
January 12, 2014 4:30 PM

who was taken by Hashem at minha of Shabbat

It is said that those who truly served Am Yisrael are taken by Hashem at Minha on Shabbat, at the peak of Hashem's own day of rest. Perhaps nothing more than that needs to be said concerning Ariel Sharon z"l, and perhaps - since we don't know Hashem's plans - the things Sharon did that we judge as mistakes make us, instead, mistaken judges.

(4)
Anonymous,
January 12, 2014 4:26 PM

A great leader is not someone who doesn't do mistakes, but rather, he is someone who learns from his mistakes and doesn't give up. Moshe Rabeinu, the greatest prophet of all times, also wasn't mistake free and there were times that he wasn't popular among his people, but he never gave up his dedication and love for Am Israel. And this is what we see in Ariel Sharon too. His love and dedication towards Am Israel and Eretz Israel never seized to exist. May he rest in peace. He will never be forgotten....

Shelly,
January 13, 2014 8:31 PM

well put

Very true.

(3)
Miriam,
January 12, 2014 4:11 PM

Bad taste to say this about Sharon

While I was not among those who supported Jews establishing communities in Gush Katif (many rabbis opposed it), there is no question that Sharon's opinion to carry out the Disengagement caused untold suffering and heartache to tens of thousands of Jews. Many still do not have a permanent home. Many lost their livelihoods, were harmed emotionally and psychologically, and there were families who broke up under the strain.

I don't think it appropriate for an author sitting comfortably in the United States to praise someone for his love of Jews, when she is not one of those who suffered by his actions.

Since we do not know Hashem's (G-d's) thoughts, we do not know how he judges someone who did not keep His Torah and did not put his love of the Jewish people into practice when tested. Even though he risked his life to protect Jews. So on our parts silence is probably a better choice, and leaving judgment to Hashem.

(2)
Inbar,
January 12, 2014 3:32 PM

A hero and one of Israels protectors

It is a little early to decide (dictate?) how mr. Sharon will be remembered. It is clear that some of his actions have been controversial, and the results have not been what he must have hoped and aimed for. None of us are perfect, and driven by sincere hope to create a real and lasting peace we can easily make mistakes. For someone as dedicated to Am Yisrael, someone who has risked his life for our people for decades, both the period mentioned in the first comment and what folowed must have been very painful. It can be very difficult to see other aspects of a person once we are hurt or unhappy by the results of some of their actions. But that does not mean everything else someone did is worthless.For me he is one of Israels protectors, a hero, someone who loved Am Yisrael and dedicated his life to our safety, someone who made a great Kiddush Hashem when Yerushalayim was finally reunited. May his ahavat Yisrael, his courage and strength under great pressures, and his dedicated commitment to our people and our land inspire all of us!

suzi,
January 12, 2014 8:42 PM

Ariel Sharon is, and was, the sum of all he did, not just a mistake.

I love what you said, and share your heart-felt thoughts. He, as we all, are many layers, many parts, and on many emotional levels. A Hero is not canceled when he makes a wrong decision, or regrets an action, no; he is human. I didn't know him personally, and yet I loved his strength, dedication, and sincerity. I am sure many people can praise him, love him, be angry with him, dislike him, were devoted to him, sang his praises, and some perhaps cursed some of his decisions. The one thing I will always believe in my heart, and mind, is; Ariel Sharon loved his country, and all of his people. We, his people, are scattered all over the world, this does not lessen our numbers, or dedication. This man was truly committed, and sincere, in his efforts for his country. When you have the courage of your convictions, and put your very life on the line willingly, (as he did) then you are a "mensch," a citizen, a hero, and can hold your head up in, and to, this world. He was first, and foremost, a Jew, and as one, both a David, and a Goliath. When I say "Goliath," I mean only in size, and strength, of his character. May he Rest in Peace, and be dearly remembered, for the caring, fierce protector, and love of Israel, motivated, man, he was.

(1)
G. Berry,
January 12, 2014 1:03 PM

We mere mortals dare not assume a cause-and-effect rationale about another person...that is only for God; and the reason for God's actions will not be revealed to us in This World...so while it may be tempting to equate Sharon's coma with the Jews' expulsion from Gaza, one must not presume to know the reasons for something truly beyond our ken. That said... what a pity that despite his numerous accomplishments on behalf of the State of Israel, ultimately Sharon will be remembered for his deception to and betrayal of the Jews he initially encouraged to live in Gaza. The effects of that forced expulsion which pitted Jew against Jew continue to impact all of Israel and especially those who were uprooted, in terms of morale, security; economically, emotionally, physically, etc. Sharon's seemingly disastrous action was so out of character it remains puzzling... Hashem has a Plan that hopefully will be revealed to us since we lack clarity or understanding...may it somehow be part of the string of events that will bring us Mashiach and the final redemption.

Anonymous,
January 12, 2014 8:04 PM

Sharon's legacy

Won't Sharon also be remembered for the massacre at Sabra and Shatila?

Anonymous,
January 12, 2014 8:51 PM

You said,"what a pity that despite his numerous accomplishments on behalf of the State of Israel, ultimately Sharon will be remembered for his deception to and betrayal of the Jews he initially encouraged to live in Gaza. "

I believe you mean well, and are a sincere person. We are mere mortals, and I truly hope, and pray, you are wrong about how Ariel Sharon, will be remembered.

I will remember my HERO!

I wish you well, and I don't mean to offend you.

Anonymous,
January 13, 2014 3:05 AM

he never intended to betray israel

sharon should never be said to have betrayed the jews. PLEASE remember that he always said, and meant every letter of the word that if gaza was used as a launching pad, he would IMMEDIATELY take it back. it was the Hand of Hashem that stopped it and he went into a coma. every single person need to look within herself or himself to see how they need to rectify their own faults and do teshuva. lets not place all the blame on arik sharon. thats nonsense. what sharon failed to see its all we have is the present . the future when he evacuated gaza. he wanted to prove that to the world that is always and forever pressuring israel unfairly that israel does not have a sincere peace partner and he proved it. to the world and to the jews. the only matter was for some reason Hashem blocked him from retaking gaza by his coma. so why did not the follow leaders after him retake it? sharon proved his point. there is no peace partner. Hashem allowed the evacuation. lets all do teshuva.

Anonymous,
January 13, 2014 3:11 AM

only Hashem Rules

only Hashem Rules. and why Hashem allowed the evacuation to happen, only He KNows. what we know is when a decree is passed against the j people or the Land, there must be a collective action for teshuva. and to cry to Hashem to remvove the decree. was there?when niniveh did teshuva, Hashem removed the decree to destroy and explained to prophet Jonah why. Because the whole nation repented. if this was shown to Niniveh, how much more would have been shown to the holy land, had they all together, left right and centre done this. lets not all place all of the blame on sharon. his motvies were always based on his love for his land. however, i do admit the evacuation was done with no planning, it was sudden, the people had no homes to go to, children had no schools etc. that it was hearbreaking to lose their homes, the very place sharon built, must hav ebeen worse for him.but, he made his point, that there is no peace partner, and left. why was th e work not continued by those after him. ask them

I just got married and have an important question: Can we eat rice on Passover? My wife grew up eating it, and I did not. Is this just a matter of family tradition?

The Aish Rabbi Replies:

The Torah instructs a Jew not to eat (or even possess) chametz all seven days of Passover (Exodus 13:3). "Chametz" is defined as any of the five grains (wheat, spelt, barley, oats, and rye) that came into contact with water for more than 18 minutes. Chametz is a serious Torah prohibition, and for that reason we take extra protective measures on Passover to prevent any mistakes.

Hence the category of food called "kitniyot" (sometimes referred to generically as "legumes"). This includes rice, corn, soy beans, string beans, peas, lentils, peanuts, mustard, sesame seeds and poppy seeds. Even though kitniyot cannot technically become chametz, Ashkenazi Jews do not eat them on Passover. Why?

Products of kitniyot often appear like chametz products. For example, it can be hard to distinguish between rice flour (kitniyot) and wheat flour (chametz). Also, chametz grains may become inadvertently mixed together with kitniyot. Therefore, to prevent confusion, all kitniyot were prohibited.

In Jewish law, there is one important distinction between chametz and kitniyot. During Passover, it is forbidden to even have chametz in one's possession (hence the custom of "selling chametz"). Whereas it is permitted to own kitniyot during Passover and even to use it - not for eating - but for things like baby powder which contains cornstarch. Similarly, someone who is sick is allowed to take medicine containing kitniyot.

What about derivatives of kitniyot - e.g. corn oil, peanut oil, etc? This is a difference of opinion. Many will use kitniyot-based oils on Passover, while others are strict and only use olive or walnut oil.

Finally, there is one product called "quinoa" (pronounced "ken-wah" or "kin-o-ah") that is permitted on Passover even for Ashkenazim. Although it resembles a grain, it is technically a grass, and was never included in the prohibition against kitniyot. It is prepared like rice and has a very high protein content. (It's excellent in "cholent" stew!) In the United States and elsewhere, mainstream kosher supervision agencies certify it "Kosher for Passover" -- look for the label.

Interestingly, the Sefardi Jewish community does not have a prohibition against kitniyot. This creates the strange situation, for example, where one family could be eating rice on Passover - when their neighbors will not. So am I going to guess here that you are Ashkenazi and your wife is Sefardi. Am I right?

Yahrtzeit of Rabbi Moses ben Nachman (1194-1270), known as Nachmanides, and by the acronym of his name, Ramban. Born in Spain, he was a physician by trade, but was best-known for authoring brilliant commentaries on the Bible, Talmud, and philosophy. In 1263, King James of Spain authorized a disputation (religious debate) between Nachmanides and a Jewish convert to Christianity, Pablo Christiani. Nachmanides reluctantly agreed to take part, only after being assured by the king that he would have full freedom of expression. Nachmanides won the debate, which earned the king's respect and a prize of 300 gold coins. But this incensed the Church: Nachmanides was charged with blasphemy and he was forced to flee Spain. So at age 72, Nachmanides moved to Jerusalem. He was struck by the desolation in the Holy City -- there were so few Jews that he could not even find a minyan to pray. Nachmanides immediately set about rebuilding the Jewish community. The Ramban Synagogue stands today in Jerusalem's Old City, a living testimony to his efforts.

It's easy to be intimidated by mean people. See through their mask. Underneath is an insecure and unhappy person. They are alienated from others because they are alienated from themselves.

Have compassion for them. Not pity, not condemning, not fear, but compassion. Feel for their suffering. Identify with their core humanity. You might be able to influence them for the good. You might not. Either way your compassion frees you from their destructiveness. And if you would like to help them change, compassion gives you a chance to succeed.

It is the nature of a person to be influenced by his fellows and comrades (Rambam, Hil. De'os 6:1).

We can never escape the influence of our environment. Our life-style impacts upon us and, as if by osmosis, penetrates our skin and becomes part of us.

Our environment today is thoroughly computerized. Computer intelligence is no longer a science-fiction fantasy, but an everyday occurrence. Some computers can even carry out complete interviews. The computer asks questions, receives answers, interprets these answers, and uses its newly acquired information to ask new questions.

Still, while computers may be able to think, they cannot feel. The uniqueness of human beings is therefore no longer in their intellect, but in their emotions.

We must be extremely careful not to allow ourselves to become human computers that are devoid of feelings. Our culture is in danger of losing this essential aspect of humanity, remaining only with intellect. Because we communicate so much with unfeeling computers, we are in danger of becoming disconnected from our own feelings and oblivious to the feelings of others.

As we check in at our jobs, and the computer on our desk greets us with, "Good morning, Mr. Smith. Today is Wednesday, and here is the agenda for today," let us remember that this machine may indeed be brilliant, but it cannot laugh or cry. It cannot be happy if we succeed, or sad if we fail.

Today I shall...

try to remain a human being in every way - by keeping in touch with my own feelings and being sensitive to the feelings of others.

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